News Release

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Argument Escalated Between Two Men; Victim Shot and Killed NR12304rh

***UPDATE***

On Tuesday, July 3, 2012, Van Nuys Homicide Detectives held a news conference and released information and video of two (#1 & #2)persons of interest in this homicide, along with descriptions of three others:

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact Van Nuys Homicide detectives at 818-374-0040.

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Van Nuys Homicide detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of a suspect who killed 38-year-old Raul Lopez.

On June 29, 2012, around 11 p.m., Lopez was working inside his place of business in the 15500 block of Ventura Boulevard. The suspect was inside the business along with four other males. An argument ensued between one of the men and Lopez. As the argument escalated, Lopez picked up a chair and was successful in moving the five men out of the location.

Once the men were outside, Lopez put down the chair, looked up and saw the suspect remove a handgun from his clothing. The suspect pointed the handgun and fired striking Lopez in the torso.

Lopez was transported to a local hospital where a short time later, he died from his injuries.

The suspects fled the location in a dark colored SUV.

The suspect is described as a male, African-American, between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 7 inches tall, skinny build and short hair.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact Van Nuys Homicide detectives at 818-374-0040. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to www.lapdonline.org, and click on "Anonymous Web Tips.”